The Athlete Playbook
Learn How Brand Actually Works in Sport
You already know how to perform. Now it’s time to build the platform that makes sure people remember - and reward - what you stand for.
Your on-demand course to build a brand that actually generates income
The Athlete Brand Playbook shows you how to:
Define your brand so sponsors instantly understand your value
Turn your platform into something brands want to invest in
Land your first deal without guessing, waiting, or needing an agent
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Discover Your Brand
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See your reputation clearly and start shaping it with purpose
Audit your current presence to see what people already think.
Identify the 3 to 5 words you want your brand to stand for.
Close the gap between perception, and reality with small but consistent changes.
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Brand Discovery - Extra Time
Go beyond the main lesson with a short, sharp session on what brands actually buy - and why your story matters more than your stats.
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Build Your Identity
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Define your positioning, values, & story to stand out
Write a one-sentence positioning statement brands and fans instantly understand.
Define 3–5 visible brand values and show them in your content.
Build your Spark–Struggle–Stand story to create emotional connection.
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Brand Identity - Extra Time
An additional deep dive to help you move from having a name to building a true identity that people remember.
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Activate & Engage
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Show up with consistency and purpose
Create a simple posting rhythm you can stick to every week.
Identify 3–4 content pillars so your audience always knows what to expect.
Use the “engagement loop” to turn casual followers into loyal fans..
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Brand Activation - Extra Time
A supplemental session focused on how to show up with intent — and turn simple engagement into lasting loyalty.
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Monetise & Partner
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Turn trust into brand deals
Build a one-page media kit that shows your value beyond stats.
Apply the 5 levers of brand value to pitch smarter.
Write a professional but human outreach message to start brand conversations.
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Commercialise - Extra Time
An added short lecture that gets real about what brands truly pay for - and how to pitch without the cringe
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Growth & Legacy
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Stay relevant and build impact
Design a personal “brand filter” to decide which opportunities fit.
Map out off-field brand opportunities (speaking, coaching, collabs, etc.).
Write a short legacy statement to guide long-term choices.
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Legacy - Extra Time
A bonus session designed to help you future-proof your brand and make every choice add to your long-term impact.
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Meet your instructor
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Meet your instructor -
I’ve spent over a decade at Nike, not just watching sport but shaping how it’s seen - leading campaigns across Rugby, Basketball, Netball, Cricket, Golf, Tennis, Skate, and American Football, and working alongside global icons.
Now through First Five Marketing, I share what I’ve learned: how to shape stories that stick, build partnerships rooted in authenticity, and turn athlete platforms into lasting influence.
If you’re ready to grow your voice, attract the right partners, and build a brand that outlives your career - you’re in the right place.
Course FAQ
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No. This isn’t about chasing numbers. It’s about clarity, identity, and influence. Even with a small audience, the right brand strategy can open big opportunities.
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Each stage is designed to be efficient: a 10–15 minute webinar, a short workbook, and a tool or template you can use right away. You can complete the course at your own pace.
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Not at all. Whether you’re breaking through, in your prime, or transitioning out of sport, the framework adapts to your level and goals.
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Yes - but not in a gimmicky “get sponsored fast” way. You’ll learn how to package your value, attract aligned partners, and build long-term revenue opportunities around your platform.
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That’s exactly what the course is built for. You’ll learn how to show up with clarity, find your authentic voice, and build consistency — without needing to be a “content machine.”